A store clerk in the eastern US state of New York thwarted an armed robbery when he refused to hand over money to a gunman without a fight.

Surveillance video released Monday by Suffolk County police shows a masked man trying to rob the store and even firing a warning shot. But instead of complying, the clerk reached under the counter to pull out a giant machete.

The robber managed to escape.

The incident took place on September 25. Police are still looking for the suspect.